Our Summary

This research paper looks at how to improve shoulder pain and movement in women who have had a certain type of breast cancer surgery called a Modified Radical Mastectomy. This surgery removes the entire breast and lymph nodes and can cause shoulder pain, limited shoulder movement, and changes in the shoulder’s structure and function.

The researchers studied 86 women who had undergone this surgery. They split them into two groups: one group did traditional exercises (Group A), and the other group did traditional exercises plus additional exercises to strengthen a part of the shoulder called the scapula (Group B).

The researchers measured the women’s shoulder pain, how well they could use their shoulders, and the range of motion in their shoulders before and after the exercises.

The results showed that the women in Group B (who did the extra shoulder strengthening exercises) had less pain, were better able to use their shoulders, and had a greater range of motion in their shoulders than those in Group A (who only did the traditional exercises).

Therefore, the researchers concluded that doing additional shoulder strengthening exercises, along with the traditional exercises, can help to reduce pain and improve shoulder function in women who have had a Modified Radical Mastectomy.

FAQs

  1. What is a Modified Radical Mastectomy and what effects can it have on the shoulder?
  2. What was the difference in the exercise routines of Group A and Group B in the study?
  3. Did the study find that additional shoulder strengthening exercises can reduce pain and improve shoulder function in women who have had a Modified Radical Mastectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about radical mastectomy is to incorporate shoulder strengthening exercises into their rehabilitation routine to help reduce pain and improve shoulder function. It is important to work closely with a physical therapist or healthcare provider to ensure the exercises are done correctly and safely.

Suitable For

Patients who have undergone a radical mastectomy, such as a Modified Radical Mastectomy, are typically recommended additional shoulder strengthening exercises to improve shoulder pain and movement. These patients may experience shoulder pain, limited shoulder movement, and changes in shoulder structure and function following surgery. By incorporating exercises to strengthen the shoulder, specifically the scapula, patients can experience reduced pain, improved shoulder function, and increased range of motion.

It is important for healthcare providers to assess each patient individually and create a tailored exercise program based on their specific needs and abilities. By incorporating additional shoulder strengthening exercises, patients can improve their overall shoulder function and quality of life following surgery.

Timeline

Before the radical mastectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with breast cancer and discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider
  • Patient decides to undergo a Modified Radical Mastectomy surgery
  • Patient may undergo pre-operative tests and preparation for the surgery
  • Patient undergoes the surgery, which involves the removal of the entire breast and lymph nodes
  • Patient may experience pain, limited shoulder movement, and changes in shoulder structure and function post-surgery

After the radical mastectomy:

  • Patient begins post-operative recovery, which may involve pain management and physical therapy
  • Patient may experience ongoing shoulder pain, limited shoulder movement, and decreased range of motion in the shoulder
  • Patient may be referred for additional exercises and rehabilitation to improve shoulder function
  • Patient participates in exercises to strengthen the shoulder, including traditional exercises and additional exercises to target the scapula
  • Patient experiences improvements in shoulder pain, shoulder function, and range of motion with the additional shoulder strengthening exercises
  • Patient continues with rehabilitation and exercises to maintain and improve shoulder function post-surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How common is shoulder pain and limited shoulder movement in women who have undergone a Modified Radical Mastectomy?

  2. What specific exercises can I do to strengthen my shoulder and improve my shoulder function after this type of surgery?

  3. How often should I be doing these exercises and for how long each session?

  4. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with doing additional shoulder strengthening exercises after this type of surgery?

  5. How soon after surgery can I start doing these exercises?

  6. Will I need any special equipment or physical therapy sessions to properly perform these exercises?

  7. How will I know if the exercises are working and improving my shoulder pain and movement?

  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or modifications I should make to help improve the effectiveness of these exercises?

  9. Are there any other treatments or therapies that can help with shoulder pain and limited shoulder movement after this type of surgery?

  10. How long can I expect to see improvements in my shoulder pain and movement after starting these exercises?

Reference

Authors: Mohite PP, Kanase SB. Journal: Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2023 Jun 1;24(6):2099-2104. doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.6.2099. PMID: 37378941